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Again, it is remarked by the Head Master in his Report that the past was an eventful year for the Central School, for the erection of the Victoria College was then commenced. It is believed that this new College will become the principal place of education not only for this Island, but also for many of the future leading men of the vast neighbouring Empire of China; and that this will prove a powerful, legitimate, and honourable method of extending British influence throughout this quarter of the globe. Already indeed, several men holding high positions in the service of the Chinese Government owe their education to the schools established in Hongkong under British auspices.
8. With regard to the Public Institutions and the Police;I have satisfied myself by several personal inspections that they are in a generally satisfactory condition. Further, from papers recently laid before the Council, it will have been seen that Major-General CAMERON, Commanding the Troops on this Station, has borne his testimony to the efficiency of the English and Sikh portion of the Police Corps in their rifle practice. A force of 300 men, equal to one fourth of the whole, has thus practically been added, in the event of war, or of serious internal disturbance, to the garrison. At the same time, the Police fully understand that their military drill must not be allowed to interfere with their civil duties in time of peace.
9. Having thus glanced at the internal affairs of this Colony, I will remind you, Honourable Gentlemen, of what I stated in my Prorogation Speech last year, viz.: that the foremost statesmen of England attach greater importance to this Colony than to other Colonies of far larger territorial extent; for Hongkong is the centre of British power and commerce in this part of the world. As you are already aware, one of my first acts after my assumption of this Government, was to call the attention of the Imperial Authorities to the comparatively unprotected state of this first-class Naval and Military Station, and great Mart of Trade, and thus to procure the 'commencement of the Defence Works which are now in progress. I know that you all entirely agree with me in the opinion that the present favourable prospect of peace should not be allowed to cause any relaxation in the efforts in this direction. It is a wise maxim that preparation for War is the surest guarantee for Peace. And, as you know already, the highest Naval and Military Authorities in the Empire believe that the completion of the Defences which are now being vigorously pushed forward by General CAMERON, will place this Colony in safety against foreign attack.
10. In conclusion, I desire to thank you, Honourable Gentlemen, once more, for your valuable advice and assistance during the past Session, and for the constant and loyal support which you afford on all occasions to the Representative of the Queen. I trust that the return of peace will soon remove the temporary depression in our trade and revenue; and that, through the blessing of Almighty God on the energy and industry of all classes in this community, the general progress and prosperity of Hongkong will be increased and consolidated.
11. I now prorogue this Council to the 15th day of next September.
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